The late Vho-Roslet Mufamadi Mufamadi, aged 67, from Tshakhuma village just outside Thohoyandou, leaves behind a legacy as one of the finest Vhavenda dancers and singers of her time. After a prolonged illness, Mufamadi passed away on 18 July and was laid to rest in Tshakhuma village's graveyard on Sunday, 23 July. Hundreds of people, including traditional women from the local dance group Malende a Luaname, attended the funeral service to pay their respects.
Mufamadi was a former member of Malende a Luaname, an esteemed group of women renowned for their performances of traditional dances such as malende and tshigombela. The group gained such popularity that they were invited to represent South Africa in countries such as America, Zambia, and Namibia, showcasing the beauty of traditional African dances. Under the guidance of Shadrack Mphaphuli, the group also released a CD titled "Dambuwo."
Reflecting on her mother's legacy, Ms Matodzi Mufamadi recalled how Malende a Luaname's traditional songs resonated throughout Venda and even reached as far as Gauteng. The group consistently dominated traditional dance competitions in the Vhembe region, largely due to Mufamadi's exceptional malende dancing talent. Some of the trophies and certificates they won were proudly presented to Thovhele Kennedy Tshivhase in Luaname, the capital of the Tshivhase Dynasty, showcasing their achievements.
Subsequently, Mufamadi and several other members of the group ventured out to form the Venda Icone group. Later, she collaborated with the renowned Tshivenda artist, Solomon Mathase, and together, they produced hit songs such as "Mahosi ashu."
Matodzi revealed that her mother and Mathase had co-produced an album with five malende songs sung by Mufamadi and another five performed by Mathase, including tracks such as "Lo vhuya matshila nga zwa ndila" and "Ndi ya hayani Mukula."
In addition to her contributions to the world of music and dance, Mufamadi was also a member of the Tshivenda Traditional Music (TTM) organisation.
Thovhele Kennedy Tshivhase, paying tribute to the late dancer and singer, expressed the sorrow of losing someone dedicated to preserving the Vhavenda culture. Mufamadi's mastery of malende dancing helped promote the Tshivhase Dynasty, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill as she was truly unique in her talent and passion.